One of the world's most popular confectionery bars could soon be available in a plant-based option.
The new vegan KitKat – called KitKat V – will be launched later in the year in several countries, according to Nestlé SA. It will be available through the KitKat Chocolatory and selected retailers to test the opportunity for a wider rollout.
Alexander von Maillot, head of confectionery at Nestlé, said: "One of the most common requests we see on social media is for a vegan KitKat, so we're delighted to be able to make that wish come true…”
The company has already launched plant-based alternatives to dairy made from rice, oat, soy, coconut, pea and almonds across food categories.
Examples include nondairy ice cream, coffee creamers, rice- and oat-based drinks, pea-based beverages, plant-based cappuccinos and lattes, a vegan condensed milk alternative, as well as a range of nondairy cheese to complement existing plant-based burgers.
With KitKat V, the taste of the plant-based chocolate used to make the new bar was the big challenge.
“We used our expertise in ingredients, together with a test and learn approach, to create a delicious vegan alternative to our original chocolate KitKat,” said Louise Barrett, who heads up Nestlé’s confectionery product technology center.
The new vegan candy bar uses a rice-based formula as a milk substitute and took about two years to develop. KitKat V is certified vegan, according to the Swiss food giant, and made from 100% sustainable cocoa sourced through.
